Lunin: “Real Madrid will make me stronger because I'm surrounded by the best in the world”

“I chose this club because I want to win and keep winning”, stated the young Ukrainian goalkeeper.

Soon after taking his first steps on the Santiago Bernabéu turf as a new Real Madrid player, Andriy Lunin faced the press in the stadium's media room. The goalkeeper was welcomed by Álvaro Arbeloa, who said: “It's a source of great joy for all of madridismo that a player like Lunin should choose Real Madrid. Forming part of this club and growing as a player will see you become a better goalkeeper, but also a better person. All of the employees, your teammates and the fans will ensure that you and your family feel at home”.

The young goalkeeper then had a few words to say following Arbeloa's introduction: “I'm thrilled to be here. It's the best club in the world and it's a real honour to be part of Real Madrid. I'm very happy. I chose Real Madrid because winning is the most important element of sport and like any other sporting professional, I want to win and keep winning. Right now I'm training with the team and I'm very happy. I want to pick up more experience and grow stronger every day, because I'll be surrounded by the best players in the world. Beyond this, we'll discuss what is best for me with the club”.

His idols
“There are many good, strong goalkeepers in the world and I try to learn from every one of them to improve. Keylor Navas and Courtois are two top keepers. Keylor is in the team now and I'm thrilled to have the chance to train alongside him and learn all I can. Of the Real Madrid goalkeepers, Iker Casillas was one that I learned an awful lot from as a kid and I followed his matches and his development closely”.

There's a great atmosphere around the team and they've made me feel very welcome.

“I'm very pleased to be training with this team. The level of the players here is different, it's so high, and that will help me to get better. I've been quite struck by everything during my first week of training. The attitude, focus, the level of the players. It's tough to pick out just one aspect. They've made me feel very welcome, we're working hard, looking forwards. It's a team with a lovely atmosphere and great friendship. Setting foot on the Bernabéu pitch is incredibly difficult to put into words”.

The language
"I'm studying Spanish every day but I still don't speak too well".

The first Ukrainian at Real Madrid
“To be the first Ukrainian to pull on this shirt is an honour and makes me very proud. I can only thank Shevchenko for believing in me and giving me the chance to make my debut with the national team. He helps me out a lot, he shares his experiences with me and he's wished me all the best regarding the transfer”.